Introduction

Skills of Central PA is a non-profit organization that provides support for individuals who are in need of assistance in order to participate in their everyday lives.  The project is based out of Port Royal, Pennsylvania.  The task the group has been assigned is to redesign the current cup used by one of the mentally challenged adults, Larry.  Larry has Cerebral Palsy and severe mental retardation.  He cannot eat by himself, but can drink out of a specialized cup.  The current cup he is using is spill proof with the straw acting as a handle for him to hold.  The shape of the straw makes it easier for him to grip it.  Also, the fact that the straw is spaced closely to the actual cup and has a plastic bar which connects the straw to the cup makes it easier for Larry to balance the cup in his hand.  The straw cannot be too far away from the cup for this reason.  Larry can only lift his arm as far up as his shoulder. 

Even though the current design is very helpful in aiding Larry’s independence, there are still many problems with the cup.  The first problem with the current design is that Larry repeatedly bites down on the straw and eventually no liquid can come out.  There is also a health issue because parts of the straw can break off and be swallowed.  The last obvious problem with the current design is that particles become trapped in the straw and are very hard to clean.  The current cup design does not suit the needs of the multitude of people that suffer from various disabilities.  Our goal is to design a cup that appropriates the needs of the many people that suffer from disabilities today.  All of the goals and objectives set for the project from the proposal through the final stages can be seen below.  This means designing a spill proof, lightweight, durable, easy to grip, long lasting cup that will increase user independence.